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Poster: Modified Nipple-Sparing Goldilocks (NSGL) in Implant Based Breast Reconstruction in Patients with High Preoperative Risk: A Surgical Technique

Students: Natasha Najam & Crae Pfannenstiel

Faculty Advisor: Suhair Maqusi, MD, MSs

Contributing Authors: MIchael Li, Evie Mitchell

Background

It has been well documented that nipple preservation with mastectomy leads to improved patient satisfaction and well-being. However, patients with larger BMIs, multiple comorbidities, and significant breast ptosis have a higher risk profile in breast reconstruction, which historically precluded them from nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR)2. The Goldilocks technique, contouring residual mastectomy skin flaps to shape a breast mound, was originally introduced to provide enhanced cosmesis and breast volume in these high-risk patients previously ineligible for IBBR. More recent studies demonstrate modified Goldilocks techniques, repurposing the dermal pedicle to provide either autologous NSM or enhanced support for IBBR in higher-risk patients. However, there is no study to date that evaluates the safety and efficacy of Nipple-Sparing Goldilocks (NSG) with IBBR in patients with high BMIs and significant ptosis.

Methods

Nipple-sparing Goldilocks procedures were performed under general anesthesia with perioperative antibiotics. Wise patterns were designed on the breasts undergoing mastectomy (Figure 1A). After marking a new nipple areolar complex using a cookie cutter, the area outside of this but within the Wise patterns were de-epithelialized (Figure 1B). Next, inferior based fasciocutaneous flaps were created (Figure 1C). The deep aspect of the flaps was along the mastectomy plane. These would be used to provide further coverage of the tissue expanders.

After completing the mastectomies (Figure 1D), the breast pockets were irrigated and hemostasis was obtained with Bovie electrocautery. The lateral breast borders were disinserted. Lateral thoracic fasciocutaneous flaps were advanced to the lateral border of the pectoralis major muscle and secured in place using a running PDS suture bilaterally. An appropriately sized tissue expander was selected and subsequently placed within the breast pocket. Each were secured at all 6 tabs using PDS suture. The inferior based fasciocutaneous flaps were then advanced over the expander (Figure 1E). The incisions were then closed in a similar fashion bilaterally. The T point was then approximated using PDS suture. The inframammary fold incision was closed in layers using PDS suture to first approximate the deep soft tissue. Subsequently PDS approximated the deep dermis and the skin was approximated with running Monocryl suture.

Subsequently the expander was filled partially with injectable saline ensuring good capillary refill of the overlying flap (Figure 1F).

Figure 1 can be viewed on the poster displayed in Conference Room F.

Results

54 breasts underwent Nipple Sparing Goldilocks (NSGL). Of those 54 breasts, 20 (37%) experienced complications. The complications were further classified as: Partial NAC Necrosis, Full NAC Necrosis, Wound Dehiscence, Device Exposure, Device Removal, Pocket Salvage, Infection, Hematoma/Seroma. For partial NAC necrosis, 6 (11.1%) breasts were affected. Full NAC necrosis was 7 (13%). Wound dehiscence had 9 (16.7%) breasts. Device exposure of 6 (11.1%) breasts. Device Removal 12 (22.2%) breasts. Pocket Salvage 1 (1.9%) breast. Infection 9 (16.7%) breasts. Hematoma/Seroma 4 (7.4%) breasts.

Conclusions

Despite significantly higher BMI and greater ptosis, Goldilocks NSM showed similar overall complication rates to Traditional NSM with IBBR. Even though the Goldilocks group exhibited a clinically higher incidence of nipple necrosis, the difference in full nipple necrosis was not significant, suggesting larger studies are needed to further assess the risk. Importantly, many of these patients with higher BMI and breast ptosis would traditionally not be considered for a nipple sparing mastectomy and opted for a potential increase in nipple necrosis risk for a better aesthetic outcome. These findings suggest that nipple-sparing Goldilocks with IBBR is safe in high-risk patients, expanding reconstructive possibilities for those historically excluded from NSM candidacy.